Ruth Haines
If you're travelling to New Delhi, India, you may want to consider buying a burner phone at the airport. While there is conflicting information on whether you can buy a burner phone at the airport, you can certainly buy a SIM card there. However, it's worth noting that SIM cards at the airport tend to be pricier and offer less value than those bought in the city or online. To buy a SIM card at the airport, you will need to provide your passport for identification and visa verification, as well as a passport photo. You will also need to fill out a registration form and provide proof of your local address, such as a hotel booking confirmation. An alternative option is to buy an international SIM card online before your trip or use an eSIM, which doesn't require a physical card and can be activated through a QR code or an app.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can I buy a burner phone at New Delhi Airport? | No, but you can buy a prepaid SIM card at kiosks in the arrival area of T3. |
| SIM card providers | Airtel, Aircel, BSNL, Jio, VI, and MTNL. |
| SIM card activation | SIM cards can be activated by providing identification, including a passport photo, a photocopy of passport details, a photocopy of an Indian visa, proof of home address, proof of address in India, and a local reference in India. |
| SIM card price | SIM cards at the airport are pricier than those bought in the city or online. |
| SIM card validity | Prepaid SIM cards have a maximum validity of three months. |
| eSIM | An alternative to a physical SIM card, eSIMs can be activated through a QR code or an app if your phone is compatible. |
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What You'll Learn
SIM cards can be purchased at kiosks in Delhi Airport
Yes, SIM cards can be purchased at kiosks in Delhi Airport.
Delhi's Indira Gandhi Airport has kiosks from different network operators near Gates 1, 2 and 3 inside the arrival terminal area. These include major mobile carriers in India like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel, which offer prepaid SIM cards with varied data volumes, normally valid for one month.
You will need to present a valid passport for identity verification during SIM purchase and activation. Some carriers may also ask for a passport-size photograph, so it is advisable to have one ready on your cell phone or printed out.
SIM cards at the airport can sometimes be more expensive than in the city due to convenience fees, but they are still a good option for tourists who need quick and easy access to a SIM card on arrival.
It is worth noting that some SIM card kiosks may not accept foreign credit or debit cards, so it is recommended to have Indian Rupees as a backup. ATMs are available at the airport if you need to withdraw cash.
If you are looking for a more convenient alternative to a physical SIM card, you may want to consider an eSIM, which can be purchased online before your trip and does not require a passport.
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Airtel and Aircel are the two providers that give SIMs at the airport
If you're looking to purchase a burner phone at New Delhi Airport, you may be able to get a prepaid mobile phone along with a SIM card. Airtel and Aircel are the two providers that give SIMs at the airport.
Airtel is regarded as the biggest and best telecom company in India, and you can find its kiosk in the arrival hall of the airport. The SIM charges are around $2-3, and the SIM will be activated within a few hours. Airtel also offers multiple prepaid recharge plans, OTT benefits, and 24/7 customer support.
Aircel, on the other hand, has received mixed reviews. While one source mentions Aircel as an option, another advises against using it. Aircel also has a counter near Gate 4 of the airport where you can purchase prepaid SIM cards.
It's worth noting that you may encounter challenges with address verification when obtaining a SIM card at the airport. You will need to provide proof of address, such as a hotel reservation printout or other address credentials. Additionally, the verification process can take 30-60 minutes, and service activation may take a few hours or until the same day.
If you prefer an alternative to physical SIM cards, you can consider eSIM options, which are available from Airtel and other providers. eSIMs offer benefits such as quick setup and the ability to download multiple profiles on one device. However, the range of eSIM options may be more limited compared to physical SIMs.
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Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased inexpensively in India
Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased at New Delhi Airport, with Airtel and Aircel being the two providers. However, it is worth noting that buying a SIM card at the airport will be more expensive than buying one in the city. It is also challenging to get a cell phone at the airport due to address verification, and the service can be disconnected if your local address is not verified.
Registration is obligatory when purchasing a SIM card in India, and you will need to submit a copy of your passport and a verifiable local address. This can take 24 to 48 hours to be approved and activated. If you are staying in private accommodation, you will need the contact details of the owner so that the SIM card seller can verify the information.
An alternative option is to purchase an eSIM before travelling to India. This is a digital SIM card embedded in your device by the manufacturer, and you can activate it by choosing an operator and a tariff plan.
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SIM cards at the airport are pricier and may provide less value
While it is possible to buy a SIM card at New Delhi Airport, it may be pricier than buying one elsewhere. SIM cards at the airport may also provide less value, as they often require a deposit, which can be refunded when you return the SIM card at the end of your trip.
There are several stores at New Delhi Airport that sell SIM cards, including Airtel, Jio, Vi, and BSNL. The cost of SIM cards in New Delhi can range from around ₹300 to ₹800 (roughly $4 to $10). However, some travellers have reported being charged higher prices at the airport, with SIM cards costing between 450 and 1000 rupees.
To buy a SIM card at the airport, you will need to provide a passport for identity verification and a passport-sized photograph. Some travellers have also reported needing a verifiable local address, which can be difficult if you are not staying in Delhi.
As an alternative to buying a SIM card at the airport, you could consider getting an eSIM. eSIMs are digital SIM card profiles that are loaded onto your phone. Popular options for India eSIM service include Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone Idea. You can typically purchase these eSIMs directly from the carrier's website, but you may still need to provide identification documents.
Another option is to buy a SIM card from an official mobile carrier store or a convenience store in the city centre. These stores offer a variety of prepaid and postpaid SIM card plans, and you may find better prices and more options by shopping around.
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BSNL SIM cards and eSIMs are also available
BSNL, or Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, is a state-owned telecommunications company in India. It offers both traditional SIM cards and eSIMs, with services available across India, excluding Delhi and Mumbai.
While BSNL eSIMs are currently restricted to Indian residents, BSNL SIM cards can be purchased at the arrival halls of major airports like Delhi and Mumbai. BSNL also has over 2000 company-owned stores across India, and its SIM cards can be bought online from Amazon India, Flipkart, and Paytm, among others.
If you are an international traveller, you may find it challenging to activate an eSIM, as BSNL's official website requires scanning your passport and other documentation. Additionally, eSIM activation is currently only available for iPhones and Pixel phones.
For tourists, Jio and Airtel are recommended alternatives to BSNL, offering faster 4G and 5G speeds, better urban coverage, and easy SIM activation.
Previously, the Indian government provided free BSNL SIM cards at the Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi for travellers with e-visas. However, this program was discontinued in November 2017.
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